I'd like to see Noons to campaign at 155 beyond this fight, but i can't pretend that this isn't a good match up. No doubt Diaz will try to impress with his boxing skills, but will probably find out once again why his windmill attack works very well against weak boxers (and lets face it, the vast majority are in MMA)....it doesn't against a savvy pug like Noons. Noons is a decent boxer at best (offensively sound, but is prone to leaving his chin exposed) but a little boxing nouse goes a long way. Diaz can't be written off, he's got as great an advantage on the ground, but i don't see any enthusiasm from Noons to want to step into Diaz's realm the same way i see it the other way round.
Great assesment. Although I think Diaz is more well-rounded and has improved the "windmill" striking to some degree. Nevertheless, this is a great matchup again. If Diaz is smart he pins Noons against the cage and makes this a grueling affair. Diaz is tough as nuts but I don't know about Noons. If it becomes a grind and battle of endurance, Diaz can get him.
yep i agree....my issue with Noons is that, at 170, he doesn't have to push himself to make weight, and so he doesn't put as much time in the gym. I don't think he does that here, it's a main event and he respects Diaz, but if this turns into a long, physical war of attrition, he'll have to be at 100%, and not at 90. That's why down the road, i wanna see him at 155.....he's just more effective there period, because by MMA standards he's so good with his range and timing. But I have no problem with this, or a Paul Daley fight (imagine that!), being an exception
